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Concert aims to raise food funds

2 min read

A variety of local musicians will perform at a fundraiser to help feed the hungry at 6 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 18, in the sanctuary of St. Luke's Episcopal Church, at the corner of Eighth Avenue and 13th Street in Altoona.

Admission is free, but donations will be accepted. All proceeds will benefit St. Luke's Food Pantry and its monthly food distributions.

Titled "Eclectic Music: Accordions to Ukuleles," the concert will feature a variety of music, from classical pieces to Halloween favorites. Each performer will bring a unique style to the event.

Claude Fabinyi, music director and organist at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church and organist at First Evangelical Lutheran Church, will provide opening and closing selections on the organ.

Angi Lambert, a versatile vocalist and genre-defying artist, blends classical, pop, jazz, R&B and electronic influences to create an intimate, atmospheric sound.

John Miller III of Ebensburg is a self-taught guitarist who describes himself as a "musician, singer, songwriter, American patriot and father."

Betty Jane Neely will demonstrate the psaltery, a rarely heard instrument, and perform traditional mountain songs. She also will play flute alongside Daniel Weber on accordion for a selection of old-fashioned tunes.

Mike Williamson, a Nashville recording artist, will perform one of his original compositions along with additional praise songs. Members of the Allegheny Ukulele Kollective also will share their music.

A reception will follow the performance.

The fundraiser comes as demand for food assistance continues to grow. In September, St. Luke's Food Pantry served at least 130 households, representing about 400 people -- the largest distribution in the pantry's history.

Woody Pyeatt, who oversees the food pantry, said demand has continued to rise throughout the year.

"Food insufficiency and the need for support have grown so much with no end in sight," Pyeatt said. "Throughout 2026 virtually every food distribution has set a new record for us. Last month we prepared our boxes assuming an increase in the number of clients and still gave away all those boxes plus several more our wonderful volunteers filled on the fly that afternoon when the need became obvious."

For more information about the fundraiser or other ways to support the food pantry, call the church office at 814-942-1372.

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